Jon Hagadorn

Death is either a friend who rocks us gently as a nurse, or an enemy who violently drags the soul from the body.

Someday, when the world is much older, and when mankind will be masters of all the destructive powers in nature, to serve for the general good of humanity, when mankind, as you were just saying, have discovered the secrets of death, then that death will become as sweet and voluptuous as a slumber in the arms of your beloved.

And if you wished to die, you would choose this death, Count?

Yes.'

Morrell extended his hand.

"'Now I understand,' he said, "'why you had me brought here to this desolate spot, in the midst of the ocean, to this subterranean palace.

It was because you loved me, was it not, Count?

It was because you loved me well enough to give me one of those sweet means of death of which we were speaking.'

A death without agony.

A death which allows me to fade away while pronouncing Valentine's name and pressing your hand.'

"'Yes, you have guessed right, Morel,' said the Count.

"'That is what I intended.'

"'Then thank you.

The idea that tomorrow I shall no longer suffer is sweet to my heart.'

"'Do you then regret nothing?'

"'No,' replied Morel.'

"'Not even me?'

asked the Count, with deep emotion.

Morel's clear eye was for the moment clouded.

Then it shone with unusual luster, and a large tear rolled down his cheek.